Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (20) celebrates the Alabama win over Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday January 8, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

Hamilton suffered a broken kneecap in Alabama's win over LSU on Nov. 4.

It was the same knee he injured during last season's SEC title game victory over Florida in the now-demolished Georgia Dome.

Hamilton has been seen greeting his teammates on the field prior to the Iron Bowl and helping the younger players during practices.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said before the win over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl that Hamilton was voted the most inspirational player by his teammates, speaking to their respect of him.

Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton works with teammates during practice at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Saturday December 30, 2017. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

"He's a great individual and a great leader for us," Saban said. "He's very intelligent and a great competitor. He's out there coaching and teaching the other guys. He's really taken an interest in helping someone else for their benefit."

Hamilton watched his teammates win their second national championship in three seasons after a 26-23 overtime triumph over Georgia. Hamilton took the stage during the trophy presentation.

Shaun's father, Shelton, said prior to the Iron Bowl that watching Alabama has been bittersweet since the injury.

"He went right to rehab after the surgery," Shelton said. "It's been hard on him and hard on us. We love to come out and support our kids (from Montgomery), but also the kids of the whole team. He's been great and he's working on getting ready for the draft."

Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (20) lifts the Nationional Championship trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday January 8, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

Hamilton's impact on the field will not be measured by his career numbers, but he emerged as one of the leaders of the Alabama defense.

Hamilton finished tied for second on the team with 40 tackles and 2½ sacks this season. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after recording eight tackles and a sack in the 24-7 win over Florida State.

Wilson suffered a foot injury in the LSU win, but returned to play in the 26-14 loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

"It's heartbreaking to see him go down," Wilson said. "It's very hard, because he cares about the team. I never got to see him play a full season. I know it's very hard on him and it's very hard on the team."

Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (20), right, during an Alabama practice for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday January 6, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

Hamilton, along with five other Alabama players, were invited to the Senior Bowl on Jan. 27 in Mobile.

Hamilton will only participate in the bowl’s off-field activities, mingling and interviewing with any and all NFL scouts that attend the three-day event.

The Alabama chapter of Hamilton's football career is over, but Wilson said he hopes to add to Hamilton's legacy through his play.

"We miss him out on the field," Wilson said. "We miss his leadership. He plays his role just by being out there. It's just been a tough process."